ISER- Communications Specialist

Join the Institute of Social & Economic Research (ISER) as a Communications Specialist! We’re seeking a skilled communicator to develop and implement strategies that boost visibility, engage stakeholders, and enhance our image. The ideal candidate will have strong writing skills, experience in multimedia content creation, and proficiency with communication software. Previous experience in education, managing digital and social media, and working with media outlets is preferred. If you’re a creative, organized problem-solver with a passion for impactful communication, apply today!

The Institute of Social and Economic Research (ISER) at the University of Alaska Anchorage has been conducting leading-edge public policy research for over 60 years. Its multidisciplinary team tackles a wide array of key public policy issues, helping Alaskans understand the state's evolving economy and population, and addressing the challenges and opportunities that come with these changes. The Communications Specialist is responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive communication and outreach strategies to enhance ISER’s visibility, engage stakeholders, and promote a positive image both internally and externally. The specialist will create visual images and multimedia materials to support public relations and communication goals by utilizing skills and experience in graphic design, photography, desktop publishing, web design, or databases. Additionally, the role involves conducting communications research and evaluation as needed.

To thrive in this role, the ideal candidate will possess strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience in persuasive and informative writing and creating multimedia materials to support public relations and communication goals. They should have a solid understanding of cross-cultural communication and be proficient in selecting and using communication software, including graphic design, photographic, desktop publishing, web design, and database tools. Advanced computer skills in these areas are preferred.

Experience in an educational setting, managing professional digital and social media accounts, and working with traditional media outlets will be highly valued. The successful candidate should be skilled in time management, capable of handling multiple tasks simultaneously, and comfortable with both independent and collaborative problem-solving.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Journalism, Communications or related field and two years relevant experience or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Position Details:

This position is located on the Anchorage Campus, and flexible on-site/hybrid or remote within Alaska work arrangements may be considered in accordance with UA regulations. This is a term-funded, part-time, non-exempt staff position complete with both a competitive salary and full employee benefits package. UA provides a generous compensation package that includes retirement options, annual leave, 12 paid holidays per year, tuition waivers for employees and family members, and affordable medical, dental and vision care coverage. New hires will be placed on the UA Staff Salary Schedule, Grade 78, based on education and experience.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until a successful candidate is identified. Review of application materials will begin immediately. Search and selection procedures will be closed when a sufficient and viable number of qualified candidates have been identified.

📃To view the full list of job responsibilities, please click HERE.

☎️If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact Anna Bryant Harris at albryant@alaska.edu 

*To be eligible for this position, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without restriction.  Applicants who now or may in the future require visa sponsorship to work in the United States are not eligible.

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This position is a term-funded position and is reviewed annually for contract renewal at the University's discretion.

The University of Alaska (UA) is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the applicant screening process. If you need assistance in completing this application or during any phase of the interview process, please contact UA Human Resources by phone at 907-450-8200.

UA is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer, educational institution and provider and prohibits illegal discrimination against any individual: www.alaska.edu/nondiscrimination.

The successful applicant is required to complete a background check. Any offer of employment is contingent on the background check.

Your application for employment with the University of Alaska is subject to public disclosure under the Alaska Public Records Act.

All employees at the University of Alaska are expected to uphold the highest standards of ethics and professionalism when conducting or engaged in university business.

*Each university within the University of Alaska system publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report which contains information regarding campus safety and security including topics such as: campus law enforcement authority; crime reporting policies; campus alerts (Timely Warnings and Emergency Notifications); fire safety policies and procedures; programs to prevent dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking; the procedures the University will follow when one of these crimes is reported; and other matters of importance related to security on campus. The report also contains information about crime statistics for the three most recent calendar years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in On-Campus Student Housing Facilities; in Noncampus buildings or property owned or controlled by the University or a recognized student organization; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus.  The report also contains fire statistics for any fires occurring in an On-Campus Student Housing Facility during the three most recent calendar years.  

Access to the reports is available at:

UAA: (Addresses Anchorage campus, Aviation Technology Complex, JBER - Elmendorf Extension, JBER - Richardson Extension, Kenai Peninsula College - Kachemak Bay campus, Kenai Peninsula College - Kenai River campus, Kodiak College, Kodiak High School Extension, Matanuska-Susitna College, Prince William Sound College, and Prince William Sound College - Cordova Extension) Online: https://www.uaa.alaska.edu/students/safety. Request a paper copy in person: UAA Police Department Office at Room 114 of Eugene Short Hall on the Anchorage campus / UAA Dean of Students Office at Room 122 of Rasmuson Hall on the Anchorage campus. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-786-1120 or police@uaa.alaska.edu / 907-786-1214 or uaa_deanofstudents@alaska.edu. 

UAF: (Addresses Fairbanks Campus, Bristol Bay Campus, Chukchi Campus, Community and Technical College, Kasitsna Bay Campus, Seward Marine Center, Tok Campus, Kuskokwim Campus, and Northwest Campus) Online: https://www.uaf.edu/orca/files/ASFSR.pdf. Request a paper copy in person: UAF Office of Rights, Compliance and Accountability on the 3rd Floor of Constitution Hall. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-474-7300 or uaf-orca@alaska.edu.

UAS: (Addresses the Juneau Auke Bay Campus, Juneau Technical Education Center, Sitka Campus, & Ketchikan Campus) Online: https://uas.alaska.edu/equity-and-compliance/docs/clery/UAS_ASFSR.pdf. Request a paper copy in person: Hendrickson Building, Suite 202 on the Juneau campus. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-796-6371 or emailing uas.clery@alaska.edu.